The Mental Health Specialist II is responsible for providing direct care to patients with psychiatric disorder; to ensure the safety and well-being of patients; to support the maintenance of therapeutic milieu. The MHS II is also responsible for providing leadership and direction to new MHS II staff based upon experience and special training in various areas of mental health service delivery; as well as supporting and actively participating with the recreation therapist in leading group activities for patients.. Additionally, the MHS II:

Effectively demonstrates skills in active listening, reflection, appropriate use of tone of voice, body language, word choice so as to convey appropriate degree of compassion, professionalism, caring and respect in delivering patient care; displays good boundaries in relationships with patients; relationships are of a professional quality and appropriate to clinical role.

Adheres to guidelines for patients on special status (i.e. suicide, sexual abuse or AWOL precautions).

Maintains safe and effective therapeutic milieu; implements point/level system and special programs consistently and within written guidelines; assists patients in following community rules/guidelines and in forming positive peer relationships; initiates, organizes and participates in activities to provide positive structure for patients; actively organizing and leading therapeutic/educational groups, primarily spending time directly with patients on the unit and ensuring adherence to activity/group schedule

Complete relevant flow sheets and other medical record forms accurately and in a timely manner; point sheets are consistently completed with documented rationale for scores.